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Until his eyes aze sweepsweariness is quickly replaced with heat potent enough tomy breath necessary I beco at the waistband of ers there for what feels like an eternity While I want nothingdown the shirt, I’m distracted by the way he looks The dark circles under his eyes tell me he’s exhausted, but with shower-da the curve of his strong chest, he looks touchable and dangerous at the sae to pull back one of those suspenders and let it slap against his body, just to see his reaction

With a start, I realize Faith is calling my nanoring Shane’s knowing so?"

"Lead the way"

"Actually," Shane hedges, ea touch uncertain, he runs a hand through his hair "I need a moment with Willa in the office"

"For what?" Faith and I ask at the sah , not when I haven’t sorted through what I’ each other’s bones With the way I’ so close, I don’t think I have the strength to be objective

"Faith can come," I blurt "Whatever you need to say…Faith can hear it, too"

It’s a riskyto callabout his proposition Right in front of his sister When he eyes s, I release a pent-up breath He nudges open the office door but doesn’tthe strap ofwhat kind ofand elusive all at the same time What do I ser or shoith body wash Dove soap and regular, drug-store bought lotion is all I’ve used Do I have a scent? Does it have an effect on hi these ridiculous thoughts and continue past into the office This ti last night’s heart-to-heart turned h, I shift in my boots "What is it?"

Shane rounds the desk and hits a few keys on a laptop I’ve only just noticed Around it, there are pieces of paper with scribbled notes on the of tea He checks his watch, then runs an ih his hair "Just…wait"

"Okay," Ilooks in my direction What would she think if she knew Shane and I shared a kiss on this very desk o? Would she still want to spend the day with ure out the answer to that question when I hear it

My sister’s voice Her fa fro rid Peet, I squeak--yes squeak--before shooting to er is there, on the screen, s chestnut hair in a haphazard bun, eyes sleep-blurred and puffy On the flip side, she’s never looked hed doith love

"Hey"

"Hey, yourself"

I clear the choked feeling from my throat "Would it have been so hard to keep the baby in until I got back?"

"You know us Peet wohter is halting "Truer words…"